Zoe Ball’s famous dad, 87, admits ‘I don’t have long left’ after prostate cancer battle

Zoe Ball’s famous father Johnny Ball was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 and has since received the all clear, but he’s admitted he likely doesn’t have long left

Johnny Ball has said he “doesn’t have long left” at the age of 87. But the children’s TV legend said he’s “laughing more now” than at any other time in his life.

Zoe Ball’s famous father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 but announced last year that he’d received the all-clear. Johnny said he is now “doing fine”. But at age 87, he admitted he might not have long left to live.

The Strictly star told The Mirror: “I’ve been kicked in the teeth in every possible way by life and by situations and by people. But I still cannot help but smile. I have my wife, my dog, my life.

“I’m very happy with my life. I’m happy that I’m still fit at 87. By rights, I don’t have long left, I want to spend it with a smile on my face.”

Johnny spoke with his wife Diane Hicks when he was first diagnosed with the cancer and was unsure how serious his condition was. The pair reflected that he might be “coming to the end” of his life.

He added: “When they told me I had prostate cancer, for about three days after I knew I had it but didn’t know the severity. Dianne and I rationalised about whether I was coming to the end. I was quite pleased in a way that I came to terms with it.

“I said ‘well that’s the way it is and I’d better cash in, I’d better finish some ideas I’ve had.’ But then they told me ‘no it’s quite safe, you’re going to have radiation treatment and you’re gonna be okay,’ and I was out the other end. When you come out the other end of cancer, good heavens, what a relief, and how wonderful. I’ve been blessed with some more years to come.”

Johnny started daily radiation treatment in September, weeks after his diagnosis in August. He had the treatment for three months before receiving the all clear.

He said last year that after both his pal Harry Secombe and Bob Monkhouse died from prostate cancer, he was “lucky” to have been cured. He now maintains a strict health regime including daily stretches, weightlifting and a health diet.

Johnny sadly lost his ex-wife Julia Peckham after she died from cancer in 2024. Zoe announced her mothe’s passing at the time, writing in tribute to her: “Sleep tight dear Mama. We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other.”

She added: “Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.”

Johnny shot to fame in the 1960s, hosting the BBC children’s show Play School. But his career, which spans seven decades, is not over. He’s written a second memoir, Stories That Must Be Told! which is out on March 28.

Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz here.

Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.